What a week. What a time. What to say?
With so many high emotions and the desire to say the right thing, I’ve been a little overwhelmed. If you follow me on Instagram (@racheladelicia) you know some of my thoughts. We at Investment Piece believe that Black Lives Matter and while I (as a white woman) may never understand, I am committed to standing with you. I’ve been taking a step back, seeing where I can be of service, assessing how we should be handling the events here in the US, and what space we should take up. I’m not sure of the answers. I believe that this conversation and the humans matter, I also believe that fashion matters. Balancing the two is a bit hard. I appreciate you forgiving me for the mistakes I’m sure I make. In life, I’m working on learning and being a better ally. Here we’re working on telling our stories with fashion – because that’s what we do.

When things get stressful I want a few things: the ocean and fashion. This shoot was always the best of both. While we find our way this week I’m grateful for you’re being here.

This is a week for finding what to say and what to focus on. And the ocean, amazing fashion, vintage, community, and you top my list. Thank you for visiting my little corner of the Internet, interacting with my fashion, and building a community here. I love juxatipositons, so shooting this gorgeous silk and sequined dress by the ocean was natural to me. And having a post full of things I love on a week where we pause to say thank you seemed even better. Here’s to many more shoots,more inclusion, more stories, more fashion, more us!

Hoping you and yours are safe and wishing us all peace and justice!
XO RA

It’s one of my favorite times of the month: Ex-files. Where I share horror stories from the dating world. Because if I (and others) have to live through it, we might as well laugh at it. Right?

The good news? This month’s dating horror story didn’t “happen” to me. But I was there (and got free drinks because of it). It involves Tinder (judge all we like, people meet there) and an airplane (because what makes a bad date worse? Not being able to leave). Without further ado, I give you: Tinder on an Airplane.

*Note names and some details have been changed/omitted to protect people. However, people own what you did to them. You want them to write warmly about you? Behave better.

A few months ago, I was taking a girl’s trip with a friend. We were flying out on a Friday night and were looking forward to a row to ourselves (she’s a window lady, I prefer the aisle) and in-flight drinks. The dating horror gods, as luck would have it, had other plans. As the plan boarded, the announcement was made that the flight was full, and that people should take any avaible seat. You know, what no one wants to hear on an airplane when they’re in a row with an empty middle seat. My girlfriend caught the eye of a woman and her adorable puppy and motioned for her to sit with us. And our adventure began.

The woman’s name was Jane and she introduced her dog, Oliver, letting us know that while he’s cute, he can be an asshole. I replied by saying, “Aren’t all men?”

Someone who did want to debate that thought? The guy sitting in front of us. He turned around claiming “Not all guys”, and proceeded to promise to buy all of us a round during drink service. We laughed it off, but he was a man of his word. He got us all a drink, and that’s when things get really good.

We all exchanged names and basic details. His name was Ben, and he’s a scientist. Our friend Jane made sure that scientist meant that Ben worked with science, which was just a tell of things to come. As we were all chatting all of a sudden, Jane asked Ben if he had a dog named Benji. Ben did. Ben also rode bikes and had a house in a certain part of town.

It turns out that Ben and Jane had matched on Tinder, chatted, she gave him her number and he never called.

And now, we were all trapped on a plane together, drinking.

My girlfriend and I were amused. It soon became apparent that Ben and Jane were not a match.
She wanted to do shots and asked the flight attendants repeatedly why we couldn’t do whiskey shots.
Ben drank wine–and paid for drinks.
Jane didn’t seem to understand science or basic math (she couldn’t add 1+0), while Ben tried to explain a theory based in physics to us.
Ben was super friendly and kept buying drinks, Jane got jealous and increasingly upset that he never called her.
Jane thought that when she looked out the window and could no longer see the lights, that’s where the land ended.

There was no drama, no overt act of confrontation. Though Jane brought up the non-call more than once. Ben was a trooper, bought more than one round for everyone, including one after the flight at the bar in the airport. Somehow, even though she complained more than once about the lack of whiskey shots, Jane didn’t get cut off in the air. But it might have been one of the best flights I’ve been on, and the best Tinder date I’ve witnessed.

As we were all saying goodbye, Jane gave Ben her number again and asked my friend and I if we thought he would call this time. I hate to say it, but I somehow doubt he did.

Wishing us all a week of free drinks and amazing shoes! And great Tinder dates! Xo RA

Loves, we know that I love me some swim suits, and have no problem wearing them as “regular” fashion. (Reminders: Leather Swim, Vintage Swim, Bikini Days, Swim Cape, and if you’re still looking for a great swim suit check out my Swim Round Up). Well, it seems like my problem has expanded to all things swim: now I’m wearing swim cover-ups as “regular” tops. And I’m not the least bit sorry about it!

This Mara Hoffman (one of my fave designers, she’s ethical, sustainable, and her pieces are chic and versatile!) swim cover up has quickly become a favorite for the summer. I’ve worn it to the pool, over shorts, over skirts–but love it with these side slit pants and lace up pumps. It’s the perfect combination of flowy and structured, cover-up and showing. It feels very elegant , but is perfect for the heat as it’s such a breathable outfit! We know I’m a big fan of juxatipositons, and this hits all the right notes!

Most of us think of Investment Pieces as pieces that cost a lot, however, I would add to that definition: an investment piece is any piece that you can get a ton of use out of! I can think of no better expample than this stunning birds top: from pool side to date night, it’s got you covered (literally).

Note: It does come a little far down on the side so if you’re worried about your bra showing, make sure you adjust or use fashion tape to keep the top up!

XO RA

This swim cover up is from a few years ago, but I’ve linked you similar below, as well as some current Mara Hoffman I love!Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about how we will look back at the fashion of 2020. Most houses will not be showing a new collection in the fall, so much of our shopping has become online, and with everyone at home the majority of the time fashion could be anything from pjs to yoga pants to anything you love. There’s a lot of freedom. And a lot of stories.

As someone who deeply believes our stories and our fashions are intertwined, I’m fascinated by fashion history. Yes, it’s a thing! It’s in museums and you can get degrees in it! When I wrote about Dior, you could argue that it’s a lesson in fashion history. Dior’s “new look” defined a period in time. What will this period be defined by, fashion wise? I can’t help but think about this, there are days when I’m dressing up and days when I’m in the same pjs on end. And I’m sure I’m not alone in that sort of dressing. How will we be written about? How should I be writing about it now?

Loving stories means I love history, and in the past few years have led me to develop a deep passion and appreciation for fashion history. I’m not a historian-but I love learning about it! And with all of these thoughts about what the history of 2020 will say, I’m looking back to the fashion history of the 1920s.

Some of my favorite video resources:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kc5SJxr4tHA

And

(These are just a sampling of what you can find on YouTube. I’ve spent many an afternoon lost in these videos! I high recommend it!)

As a vintage lover, I love the ease of the 1920s, the way that people redefined themselves and expressed that with their clothes. Which brings us back to my question: how will we define this era in fashion history? If you knew that you would be documented would you change how you dress?

I don’t know the answers. But as I ponder this, I can’t help but want to be more intentional with my outfits, even the ones with yoga pants. What about you?

I would love to hear your thoughts, what you’re wearing, and your take on fashion history!
Xo RA

Loves! I spent yesterday relaxing, watching classic movies, I went for a hike, and I perused sales for you! This is another round up of what I’m loving, as always the ‘My Looks” tab to the right is full of more!

This Memorial Day I hope you find some peace, some time to relax, and I appreciate you shopping with me!

Xo RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Sandals for summer might not be groundbreaking, but these are all an extra 30% off with code MEMORIAL30 and I love that!
Shop my picks here

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been living in my lounge/workout wear. These picks are chic and up to 80% off. Shop Here

Get an extra 40% off sale at Kate Spade with code SUNNYDAYS. These are my picks!

I love a great summer dress, and love a great sale dress more! These are the perfect combination. Shop Here

I’ll be shopping today-if you want to join me I’ll be posting in the LiketoKnowIt and ShopStyle apps!

My loves! Does it feel like a holiday weekend? It’s different this year, and that’s ok. Hopefully there are some good different bits- more rest, more peace, more health. One thing that’s staying the same? It’s a big sales weekend. While I am spending time this weekend resting and being offline, I couldn’t help but shop a few sales. I’ll be rounding some of my favorites up today and tomorrow here, but I’ll be updating so feel free to check the “My Looks” and “Shop my Site” tabs (or follow me on the LikeToKnowIt app for my “up-to-the-minute” picks.

In the meantime, I hope this weekend is peaceful and full of love! Thank you for shopping with me!

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission. Thank you for your support!

Swim and Sandals are an extra 60% off-let’s summer chicly (even if we’re only in the back yard!)
Shop my picks: here

It’s officially white Jean and shorts season. And these picks are 40% off with code SUMMER.
Shop here

Get an extra 40% off all sale at Intermix, no code needed!These are my picks!

There’s something about the color blue. I’ve always loved it, as it matches my eyes, but there’s something else about the shade. In art, blue was the most expensive shade, and could mean anything from holiness to royalty to mystery. And maybe that’s a part of the draw. There are a lot of us who love the shade, but that’s not the only reason why I love this dress.

This is in blue. And it comes in two parts:In Blue. Part One:
I’ve always loved a great party dress. And the greatest things about that? Any dress is a party dress.

It’s true. Just depends on what kind of party. (This where someone could tell you that the most important people to have in your life are the kind that make going to the grocery store a party. You could also be that kind of person! :))

My favorite kind of dress to wear in the summertime? Sundresses. Especially halter maxi ones, like this one. They can be dressed up or down (just change your shoes accordingly), and show just enough skin to feel like the season. From the beach to a soriee, a dress like this one can get you through the summer (and it travels like a dream). I’m partial to the blue, and those details, but really, any great halter dress will do!

In Blue. Part Two

I have a thing for vintage. This dress is Radley London, vintage from the 1960s/70s. I also have a thing for Ossie Clark. See here, here, and here. Radley London? It has a connect to Ossie.

Radley was a British clothing manufacturing company of the 1960s through the 1980s and owned by Alfred Radley. The company is best known for its association with the Quorum Boutique, of which it acquired controlling interest in 1969.

The designers at Quorum, Ossie Clark, and Alice Pollock, also did garments under the Radley label and many Radley garments borrowed design elements from the popular Quorum designers. The garment would be sketched by Clark, then Radley’s in-house designer would use the ideas to produce a variety of designs for Radley.

Rose Bradford was the designer employed by the Radley firm in the late 1960s to adapt the original designs of Ossie Clark into affordable licensed pieces under the Radley label (once they had come to the financial rescue of Alice Pollock and Ossie’s boutique, Quorum). Bradford seems to have been an extremely talented designer in her own right, designing under her own name for both the Radley and Quorum labels in the 1970s, but was always overshadowed by the many other designers Radley employed over the years. She is also rumoured to have wholly designed some pieces which were sold as Ossie Clark garments, as an experiment to see if this could work without Clark’s involvement.

Do I know who actually designed this dress?
Nope.
And that doesn’t change how much I love it.
But a dress this great, with a connection like that, and with details that will make my entire summer a party? I’m sold.

I’ve linked similar dresses below for your shopping pleasure! And want to hear all about your parties!!
Xo RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

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One of my favorite places to shop Radley London is eBay. I foundthis one for you, and there are a ton more!!

Ever since we’ve entered the isolation part of the pandemic, I’ve been thinking a lot about essentials. What should we buying, what should we be wearing? Will we ever wear jeans again or go to big parties? The more I thought about it, the more I let my thoughts overwhelm me. Then I thought- one of my essentials is joy. And wearing things that make me happy. I’m known for wearing night gowns out and having too many party dresses. Is that something that should change?

Hopefully I’m eloquent about it here:

And if you’re interested in my Wishlist, here it is! I hope it sparks you joy!

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

While this post was originally about mistakes that make great outfits, it’s also the perfect isolation/WFH outfit. The PJ top that’s fancy enough for any online meeting. The workout pants. Shoes that are almost slippers. If it was great for on-the-go, it’s even better at home. And I’ve worn this outfit formula more than once recently!

These are a few of my favorite things: feathers and pjs and stirrups (Oh MY!)

*Side note: This is not the part where I apologize for The Wizard of Oz being one of my most favorite movies.

** Doube Side Note: These stirrup pants were not the pants I had planned. I have these great high waisted pants I thought would be great with this feather top (yes, it really is pjs). The plan was the top, the pants, maybe some heels. A great piece on how PJs can be anything. The feathers could be a nod to fun or to Prada, or to both. I was super excited. And then.

I packed the wrong pants. It happens. I’m gonna go ahead and bet when you’re a fashion blogger and have a shoot it feels a bit bigger. But there I am, with the wrong pants. And an amazing look to shoot. What to do?

These stirrup pants (yes, workout, yes, I love them) to save the day. I tend to wear these to Pilates or Yoga and then under all the dresses and the skirts. It’s completely on trend and again, I love them. So, I needed some pants to go with a PJ top. These worked. And, if we’re honest, balance the feathers. Who says feathers can’t be casual?

I have a thing for feathers (we could probably blame Prada but that seems mean). I love the pink. I love that this is a PJ top. Yes, there are pants, they don’t have feathers, but they look great with heels and sweaters. My initials embroidered on the top are another thing I love. Again, this top leans itself to being dressed up. But, I kinda love it casual. It would also looks great in bed (even if no one was bringing you champagne).

Takeaways:
* Sometimes mistakes make for good outfits. There’s always more than one way to wear something, why not embrace that?
* Feathers go with everything
*Don’t count out your yoga pants
* Our middle school selves were right: stirrups are cool
*If you can’t tell they are PJs it doesn’t count
*Outfits don’t have to be one thing. This is perfect to WFH or lounge in, but also works when we’re back to being out and about!

My loves, I look forward to summer every year. And this year will be different. But different doesn’t always mean better or worse, just not the same. With that in mind I’m planning things to look forward to, from my kiddie pool in the backyard to a virtual tour of Paris, these are my ideas. I would love to know yours!